Public comment recorded on Marvin Nichols
Written comment taken until Nov. 29

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

November 7, 2002 -- Over 100 people flowed into the Upshur County Civic Center on Oct. 30 to voice their opinions during a public comment time regarding the now "proposed" Marvin Nichols Reservoir.

The meeting held by the Northeast Texas Regional Water Planning Group (NETRWPG) was the next step to amending the language from Marvin Nichols being a "proposed" site to a "potential" site. If amended, NETRWPG would have time to study the lake project and to determine if it is in the best interest of East Texas.

Tony Williams, chairman of NETRWPG, began the meeting by stating the sole purpose of the meeting was to allow public comment about the proposed lake.

"Today's meeting is to let you, the public, express your opinions about Marvin Nichols. This is not a debate," Williams said.

The public outcry is in regards to a 62,000-acre-plus lake which has been in the state water plan since the '60s. The lake could take land from Red River, Titus, Morris, and Franklin counties and possibly Bowie. But, about a year ago, strong opposition came against the lake.

Landowners, foresters, ranchers, environmentalists, private citizens, county commissioners, they all came forward and spoke their heartfelt wishes for Marvin Nichols at the Oct. 30 meeting.

P.C. Abernathy, who at 80-plus-years, has seen many things happen along the Sulphur River (his home place), focused his statement on the flow of the river.

"How many of you like seafood?" Abernathy asked. "I do. The river has to flow to the Gulf in order for seafood to reproduce. I do not want this studied. I want it killed."

Abernathy added that if this lake is built it will disrupt the flow of the river to the Gulf of Mexico, which would hurt people who make a living in the seafood industry.

Others pointed out that not only would building the lake affect people, it would also affect the wildlife.

With the words, "It's time for show-and-tell," Shirley Shumake, who along with other family members, are set to lose over 800 acres, brought a bag of acorns that are plentiful on their land.

The board members passed the acorns around and two members studied the acorns.

"These acorns are bur oak, live oak, and overcup acorns," Shumake said. "The wildlife love these things but if this lake is built, gone are the acorns and the trees."

Protecting wildlife is one priority of forestry giant International Paper (I.P.) who employs more than 1,000 people at its Forest Resources in Texarkana and New Boston.

Shannon Wilks, a forester from I.P. read a statement issued by the company on Oct. 30. "International Paper, (expresses) opposition to the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir as a water supply strategy contained in the Texas water plan. Texas Forest Service reports show the loss of agricultural land from both actual reservoir construction and required habitat mitigation would be, at a minimum, 225,000 acres and could actually be as high as 986,000 acres, depending on the mitigation management option."

With most speaking in opposition, Clarksville Mayor Ann Rushing stated Clarksville did not want the lake status changed. They just want the studies completed.

As Rushing turned to leave the microphone, she was met with boos from the crowd, including those from Red River County.

The board was publically told there was no resentment towards them but they (the board) were East Texas spokesmen and a strong message was needed for the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

"It's time Dallas/Fort Worth looks at conservation," said Rita Beving, with the Dallas Sierra Club.

Janice Bezanson, Texas Committee on Natural Resources, cited that the board was making waves across the state. "It's not every day that a board can admit they were wrong."

The next step in the amending process is a 30-day period for written statements. Over 200 statements have already been received. Written comment can be submitted Walt Sears, P.O. Box 955, Hughes Springs, Texas 75656; or they can be faxed to (903)639-2208. The comment period ends Nov. 29.

The NETRWPG board will vote on changing the language of the reservoir from "proposed" to "potential" at the next meeting which is scheduled for 2 p.m., Dec. 4, at Titus County Extension office in Mount Pleasant.

The people speaking at this meeting wanted the board to remember, "We are the people of the land bought with blood, sweat and tears."